FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Dec. 11, 2024

Rockford, Illinois- Rockford University is thrilled to announce the addition of two new master’s degree programs in the Kinesiology department: Master of Science in Exercise Physiology (MSEP) and Master of Arts in Sport Management and Leadership (MASL). 

The MSEP degree is designed for individuals interested in advancing careers in personal health and wellness training, health promotion, and physical rehabilitation. Students who earn a Master of Science in Exercise Physiology degree will have numerous career opportunities, including roles as exercise physiologists, cardiac rehabilitation specialists, clinical research assistants, and physical therapy aides.

The MASL degree is designed for individuals passionate about the sport management industry. Graduates will be equipped for careers such as athletic coaches, athlete development specialists, athletic directors, business development coordinators, and more.

“These two (degree programs), sports management and leadership and exercise physiology, are really geared towards the scholars (RU students) that are thinking about what’s next,” said Dr. Cathy Headley, Associate Professor of the Kinesiology Department, who helped create both programs. “Students continuing their education here creates a legacy and commitment to Rockford University.”

Both programs will launch in Fall 2025 and feature courses that will be 8 weeks in duration and delivered asynchronously online.

Dr. Headley adds that she believes these graduate programs will provide a unique opportunity for Rockford University to invite potential students from outside of the area. 

Learn more about each of the new master’s degrees by going to rockford.edu/admission/graduate/master-of-exercise-physiology and rockford.edu/admission/graduate/master-of-sport-management-and-leadership.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Rockford University Marketing and Communications

communications@rockford.edu 

About Rockford University
Rockford University, formerly Rockford College, is a four-year, co-educational institution founded in 1847 offering undergraduate and graduate degrees in traditional liberal arts and professional fields. The undergraduate program offers approximately 80 majors, minors, and concentrations, including three 100% online majors through the RU Online program. Five master’s degrees are offered through the graduate program, including Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT), Master of Education (M.Ed.), Master of Arts in Sport Management & Leadership (MASM), and Masters of Science in Exercise Physiology (MSEP). 

Rockford University is home to one of only 11 Phi Beta Kappa (PBK) chapters in Illinois, the most prestigious honor society in the United States. Rockford University is proud to hold the prestigious Carnegie Classification for Community Engagement, an elective classification that highlights our dedication to meaningful and impactful partnerships within our local and regional communities. Named by The Princeton Review as a Best Midwestern College and a U.S. News & World Report Best Midwest Regional University, Rockford University currently serves approximately 1,200 full- and part-time students.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 5, 2024

Rockford, IL – Rockford University is proud to announce the formal dedication of the “Zelenka Family Esports Center,” a state-of-the-art facility made possible by the generosity of the Janet Zelenka Family. This groundbreaking addition to campus solidifies the university’s commitment to fostering innovation, student engagement, and forward-thinking initiatives.

Esports is no longer a niche activity; it is a billion-dollar global industry transforming the landscape of entertainment, technology, and education. Competitive gaming has become an integral part of student culture across the country, and Rockford University is seizing the opportunity to embrace this dynamic trend.

“By investing in Esports, we are preparing our students for a growing market, fostering their success, and ensuring our university remains competitive in an ever-changing educational landscape,” said President Patricia Lynott. “This facility positions us as a leader in this space, attracting a new demographic of students who are passionate about gaming and eager to find a community where they can thrive.”

The Zelenka Family Esports Center boasts cutting-edge gaming equipment, dedicated spaces for training and competitions, and resources designed to support students’ academic and extracurricular pursuits. It is a hub for collaboration, creativity, and community, offering a unique space for students to excel both in and out of the virtual arena.

Ribbon-Cutting Event Highlights

The dedication ceremony, held on Tuesday. December 3rd, marked a historic moment for the university. The event featured a ribbon-cutting led by Janet Zelenka alongside university leaders and students. Attendees toured the impressive facility and met with members of the Esports team.

The Zelenka Family Esports Center is now officially open, welcoming students, faculty, and community members to experience firsthand the exciting potential of Esports at Rockford University.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Rockford University Marketing and Communications

communications@rockford.edu

Photos of the center and the dedication ceremony can be found here. 

About Rockford University
Rockford University, formerly Rockford College, is a four-year, co-educational institution founded in 1847 offering undergraduate and graduate degrees in traditional liberal arts and professional fields. The undergraduate program offers approximately 80 majors, minors and concentrations, including three 100% online majors through the RU Online program. Five master’s degrees are offered through the graduate program, including: Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT), Master of Education (M.Ed.), Master of Arts in Sport Management & Leadership (MASM), and Masters of Science in Exercise Physiology (MSEP).

Rockford University is home to one of only 11 Phi Beta Kappa (PBK) chapters in Illinois, the most prestigious honor society in the United States. Rockford University is proud to hold the prestigious Carnegie Classification for Community Engagement, an elective classification that highlights our dedication to meaningful and impactful partnerships within our local and regional communities. Named by The Princeton Review as a Best Midwestern College and a U.S. News & World Report Best Midwest Regional University, Rockford University currently serves approximately 1,200 full- and part-time students.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Dec. 2, 2024

Rockford, Illinois- Rockford University is thrilled to announce its upcoming December Recognition Ceremony, a momentous occasion to honor the achievements of our dedicated students. The ceremony will commence at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at Rockford University in the Clark Arts Theatre located at 5050 E State St., Rockford, Illinois, 61108. This event promises to be a celebration of academic excellence and a culmination of hard work and commitment.

This year’s ceremony will include a keynote address from English Professor Dr. William Gahan, and speeches from University President Dr. Patricia Lynott, and Chair of the Board of Trustees Marci Taets. 

As part of the day’s festivities, the university will host a nurse pinning ceremony, recognizing the accomplishments of our nursing graduates. The nurse pinning ceremony is set to take place at 9:00 a.m., preceding the main recognition event. This special occasion highlights the dedication and expertise of our nursing students as they embark on their professional journeys.

Rockford University warmly invites families, friends, faculty, and the community to join us in celebrating the outstanding accomplishments of our graduates. The December Recognition Ceremony is a time-honored tradition, and we look forward to sharing this occasion with everyone.

For further information, please contact Rockford University Marketing/Communications at communications@rockford.edu or Sara Myers-Hogshead at SHogshead@rockford.edu. 

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About Rockford University:

Rockford University, formerly Rockford College, is a four-year, co-educational institution founded in 1847 offering undergraduate and graduate degrees in traditional liberal arts and professional fields. The undergraduate program offers approximately 80 majors, minors, and concentrations, including three 100% online majors through the RU Online program. Five master’s degrees are offered through the graduate program, including Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT), Master of Education (M.Ed.), Master of Arts in Sport Management & Leadership (MASM), and Masters of Science in Exercise Physiology (MSEP).

Rockford University is home to one of only 11 Phi Beta Kappa (PBK) chapters in Illinois, the most prestigious honor society in the United States. Rockford University is proud to hold the prestigious Carnegie Classification for Community Engagement, an elective classification that highlights our dedication to meaningful and impactful partnerships within our local and regional communities. Named by The Princeton Review as a Best Midwestern College and a U.S. News & World Report Best Midwest Regional University, Rockford University currently serves approximately 1,200 full- and part-time students.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ROCKFORD, IL. – Rockford University proudly congratulates senior Julisa Gutierrez on being named a 2024 Student Laureate of the Lincoln Academy of Illinois.

This prestigious honor is awarded to outstanding seniors who “are honored for their leadership and service in the pursuit of the betterment of humanity and for overall excellence in curricular and extracurricular activities,” according to the Lincoln Academy.

“Julisa has been an outstanding student leader and role model on campus, especially through her dedication as a Regent Experience Guide and Regents First Mentor, where she has helped countless students navigate their university journey with confidence and care,” said Chelsea Minor, Director of Career Development & First Year Programs, who attended the ceremony on Oct. 26.

The Lincoln Academy honored top students from colleges and universities across Illinois during a ceremony held on Oct. 26 at the University of Illinois Springfield’s Performing Arts Center.

Each student laureate received the Abraham Lincoln Civic Engagement Award certificate signed by the Academy Chancellor, the Honorable Ron Spears; the President of The Lincoln Academy; and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, as well as a Lincoln medallion; a challenge coin; and a $1,000 check from The Lincoln Academy.

Congratulations to Julisa for this remarkable achievement!

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Contact:

Rockford University Marketing & Communications

communications@rockford.edu

About Rockford University
Rockford University, formerly Rockford College, is a four-year, co-educational institution founded in 1847 offering undergraduate and graduate degrees in traditional liberal arts and professional fields. The undergraduate program offers approximately 80 majors, minors, and concentrations, including three 100% online majors through the RU Online program. Five master’s degrees are offered through the graduate program, including Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT), Master of Education (M.Ed.), Master of Arts in Sport Management & Leadership (MASM), and Masters of Science in Exercise Physiology (MSEP).

Rockford University is home to one of only 11 Phi Beta Kappa (PBK) chapters in Illinois, the most prestigious honor society in the United States. Rockford University is proud to hold the prestigious Carnegie Classification for Community Engagement, an elective classification that highlights our dedication to meaningful and impactful partnerships within our local and regional communities. Named by The Princeton Review as a Best Midwestern College and a U.S. News & World Report Best Midwest Regional University, Rockford University currently serves approximately 1,200 full- and part-time students.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Oct. 24, 2024

ROCKFORD, ILL.- Rockford University’s First Gen Forward Club in collaboration with the University’s Regents First program will hold a special dinner celebration in honor of National First Generation College Celebration Day. The dinner will be held Nov. 8 from 5 to 7 p.m. in Regents Hall.

Regents Hall is located in the Burpee Student Center. Burpee Student Center is located on Rockford University’s campus, located at 5050 E. State St. in Rockford, Illinois. 

The event will include professional headshots, musical performances, and a keynote speech from RU alumna, Board of Trustees member, and first-generation graduate Mary Ann Laudicina. She will also participate in a first-generation panel discussion during the event. 

All RU faculty, staff, students and their families are welcome to this event.

About First-Generation College Celebration

On November 8, to honor the anniversary of the signing of the Higher Education Act (HEA) of 1965, institutions nationwide are invited to celebrate the presence and experiences of first-generation college students, faculty, and staff within their communities. The HEA created federal programs that promote postsecondary access, retention, and completion for limited-income, first-generation college students. 

RU’s campus efforts will be part of a national advocacy campaign focused on promoting systemic social change by dismantling barriers to first-generation student success on both a local and national level. 

More information on this nationwide celebration can be found at firstgen.naspa.org/engagement/first-generation-college-celebration/first-generation-college-celebration. 

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This event is open to the RU community (students and their families, staff, and faculty). Local media is invited to the Rockford University campus to cover this event.

Contact:

Sara Myers-Hogshead

RU Marketing & Communications

shogshead@rockford.edu 

815.394.5052 

About Rockford University
Rockford University, formerly Rockford College, is a four-year, co-educational institution founded in 1847 offering undergraduate and graduate degrees in traditional liberal arts and professional fields. The undergraduate program offers approximately 80 majors, minors, and concentrations, including three 100% online majors through the RU Online program. Five master’s degrees are offered through the graduate program, including Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT), Master of Education (M.Ed.), Master of Arts in Sport Management & Leadership (MASM), and Masters of Science in Exercise Physiology (MSEP).

Rockford University is home to one of only 11 Phi Beta Kappa (PBK) chapters in Illinois, the most prestigious honor society in the United States. Rockford University is proud to hold the prestigious Carnegie Classification for Community Engagement, an elective classification that highlights our dedication to meaningful and impactful partnerships within our local and regional communities. Named by The Princeton Review as a Best Midwestern College and a U.S. News & World Report Best Midwest Regional University, Rockford University currently serves approximately 1,200 full- and part-time students.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Oct. 17, 2024 

WHEN: Friday, Oct. 25, 2024, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

WHERE: Starr Science Center at Rockford University. Rockford University is located at 5050 E. State St. in Rockford, Illinois.

WHAT: Rockford University’s Science, Math, and Nursing College will hold the InnnovateHER STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) camp for sixth-grade female students from two area middle schools: Galapagos Rockford Charter School and the Gifted Academy at Thurgood Marshall Middle School. 

Each school will be sending about 40 students and a handful of chaperones to participate in hands-on activity sessions in the areas of Science, Healthcare, Technology, Engineering, and Math. 

All sessions will be led by female STEM students and facilitated by female faculty/staff mentors. Each session emphasizes potential career paths in STEM fields that relate to the activity chosen and will consist of groups of about 8 middle school students. 

This event is funded by an In Youth We Trust grant through the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois that May 2024 Biochemistry graduate Faith Gomez received before graduating. Melisa Kraus is the student who is taking over in Gomez’s place. Kraus is a Biochemistry and Psychology double major.

WHO: Rockford University faculty and staff involved in the event include Dean of College of Science, Math and Nursing Filiz Dik, Associate Professor Kari Severson, Lab Manager and Administrative Assistant Anya McIntyre, Lecturer Viktoriia Dobriak, Assistant Professor Melissa Korkmaz-Vaisys, Lecturer of Physics Susan Sorensen, Assistant Professor of Biology Emily Webb, and Beth Lipton. 

Media interested in attending the event should RSVP to communications@rockford.edu no later than on Thursday, Oct. 24 at 4:30 p.m. 

Contact:

Rockford University Marketing & Communications

communications@rockford.edu 

OR

Kayla Eddy

KEddy@rockford.edu

815.394.5041

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Oct. 16, 2024

ROCKFORD, ILL.- Author Barbara Gregorich will present “Design, Luck, and the Rockford Peaches: All Things Are Connected,” on Wednesday, Oct. 23 at 7 p.m. in Fisher Chapel.

Fisher Chapel is located on Rockford University’s campus at 5050 E. State St. in Rockford, Illinois.

Gregorich is the author of the 1993 book, Women at Play: The Story of Women in Baseball.

Women at Play was published in 1993, receiving a boxed review in the Sunday New York Times. It was awarded the Society for American Baseball Research-MacMillan Award for best baseball research of the year. In 2017 Women at Play was brought back to popular attention when Francis Ford Coppola (in a NY Times Book Review), asked the question of which book readers would be surprised to find on his shelf, answered: “Women at Play: The Story of Women in Baseball, by Barbara Gregorich.” In September 2024 Gregorich was honored with the SABR Dorothy Seymour Mills Lifetime Achievement Award.

While writing baseball novels and nonfiction, Gregorich also worked as a freelance educational writer and editor, creating more than 100 activity books for various publishers; writing a series of Start to Read books; writing early readers (Waltur Buys a Pig in a Poke and Waltur Paints Himself into a Corner); and writing BrainQuest cards and workbooks.

In this presentation, Gregorich will speak about how and why she decided to research women baseball players and how her research for the historically significant, but always elusive, Maud Nelson led her across fifty years and half of the US—inevitably culminating with Rose Gacioch and the magnificent Rockford Peaches.

Forum Series

The Rockford University Forum Series presents speakers in a variety of disciplines who have achieved success both nationally and locally, and performers of stature in the arts. The Forum Series’ central programming focus is geared toward students, while also seeking to connect the campus to the local community. Lectures and performances are concerned with intellectual, social, and cultural matters of general interest to deepen and broaden students’ education at Rockford University and enhance the rich culture of Rockford.

Forum Series presenters and events cover a broad spectrum of scope and genre. Events have included the Tibetan lamas from Drepung Loseling Monastery and their creation of a mandala—a sacred sand painting; Holocaust survivor Zev Kedem, the compelling speaker who worked with Steven Spielberg on the movie Schindler’s List; Oscar Arias, former president of Costa Rica and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize for his work on a Central American Peace Plan; quadriplegic Olympic bronze medal rugby player Mark Zupan; film documentarian Barbara Martinez Jitner, who produced “La Frontera;” Davar Ardalan, author of “My Name is Iran;” and traditional University events like the President’s Opening Convocation, Charter Day Convocation, and theater productions.

International Women’s Baseball Center

At IWBC, education is the cornerstone of our mission to protect, preserve, and promote all aspects of women’s baseball, both on and off the field. IWBC’s administrative offices are located at Rockford University. For more information on events and programs, visit iwbc.org.

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This event is open to the general public and the RU community. Local media is invited to the Rockford University campus to cover this event.

We kindly ask the media to RSVP to this event. To RSVP, please contact Sara Myers at SMyers@rockford.edu by Oct. 22 at 5 p.m.

Contact:

Sara Myers

RU Marketing & Communications

smyers@rockford.edu

815.394.5052

Rockford University, the region’s premier private, four-year university, proudly announces the largest incoming freshmen class on record.

The fall 2024 freshman cohort comprises 215 new students, a historic milestone for the university that reflects its commitment to academic excellence, inclusivity, and community engagement.

“We are thrilled to welcome our largest incoming freshmen class on record to the university this fall,” said Rockford University president, Dr. Patricia Lynott. “This achievement speaks to the dedication of our faculty and staff and the growing appeal of Rockford University’s distinctive programs and vibrant campus life. We look forward to seeing these students thrive as they contribute to our campus community.”

The fall 2024 freshman class includes 214 full-time students and one part-time student, all representing diverse interests and backgrounds that enrich the Rockford University experience. Additionally, 126 of the incoming students are athletes, bringing a unique mix of talent, ambition, and engagement to campus life.

Rockford University’s consistent enrollment growth in recent years underscores the institution’s focus on providing a supportive and engaging academic environment. Fall 2023 saw 191 full-time freshmen join the university, fall 2022 brought in 168, and fall 2021 had 193 freshmen.

About Rockford University

Founded in 1847, Rockford University is a private, not-for-profit institution located in Rockford, Illinois, dedicated to providing high-quality education rooted in the liberal arts and professional studies. Rockford University prepares students for successful careers, responsible citizenship, and lifelong learning. For more information, visit www.rockford.edu.

# # #

Contact:

Rockford University Marketing and Communications

communications@rockford.edu

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Oct. 8, 2024

ROCKFORD, ILL.– Rockford University President Dr. Patricia Lynott will speak at the Rockford Network of Professional Women’s (RNPW) luncheon meeting this October at Rockford University. The meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 15, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Dr. Lynott will speak at 12:30 p.m. 

The event will be held in Regents Hall in the Blanche Walker Burpee Student Center on Rockford University’s campus. Rockford University is located at 5050 E. State St. in Rockford, Illinois. 

About Dr. Lynott 

Dr. Lynott began service as president of Rockford University on March 1, 2024, having served as the interim president since December 12, 2022.

In her 35+ years in higher education, Dr. Lynott has combined a successful teaching career with innovative academic leadership. She began her career as a communication professor, teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in rhetoric, political communication, and public speaking. At Elmhurst College, Dr. Lynott served as Dean of Graduate and Continuing Education and became the founding director of Elmhurst Partners, the college’s corporate training division that provided custom programming to Chicago-area Fortune 500 companies.

About RNPW

RNPW began in March 1981 when four Rockford women met to discuss how women in the Rock River Region could come together to support other women. This first meeting evolved into weekly organizational meetings, and the RNPW became official in June 1981. 

Local media is invited to the Rockford University campus to cover this event.

We ask the media to please contact Rockford University’s Communications Department at Communications@Rockford.edu or Sara Myers-Hogshead at SHogshead@rockford.edu by Oct. 14 at 5 p.m., to let us know that you are attending. 

Contact:

Sara Myers-Hogshead

RU Marketing & Communications

shogshead@rockford.edu 

815.394.5052 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Oct. 4, 2024

ROCKFORD, ILL.- Physicist and Airworthiness Deputy at NASA K. Renee Horton, Ph.D., will present “The Intersection of Talent and Passion” on Friday, Oct. 11 at 7 p.m. as part of Rockford University’s Forum Series in collaboration with the Illinois Section of the American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT).

Rockford University is hosting the joint fall 2024 ISAAPT and WAPT (Wisconsin Area Physics Teachers) meeting entitled “Physics Without Boundaries.”

This public talk is part of the Forum Series and will also be the keynote speech for the AAPT conference.

The event will be held in Maddox Theatre in Clark Arts Center on Rockford University’s campus. Rockford University is located at 5050 E. State St. in Rockford, Illinois.

There will be several sessions that may be of interest to a wide range of audiences such as sessions on science communication, inclusivity in the classroom, contributed talks on the use of augmented and virtual reality, a presentation on the “Lost City,” and “Clipper” missions in an inflatable planetarium dome.

To register for the conference, use this link.

The public talk by Dr. Horton is free and open to anyone. We ask guests to RSVP to the event at this link here.

About K. Renee Horton, Ph.D.

Dr. Horton is an advocate for diversity and inclusion in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and works in the community for STEM education and STEM outreach. She believes in changing the face of STEM and is the founder of Unapologetically Being, Inc. a nonprofit for advocacy and mentoring in STEM.

In her lecture, Dr. Horton will explore the intersection of science research, life’s struggles, and a career in STEM, focusing on the theme of overcoming a disability. Through personal anecdotes and scientific accomplishments, we will delve into the challenges faced highlighting the power of determination and perseverance in overcoming obstacles. Join us as we discuss how resilience, innovation, and a passion for discovery can lead to success and inspire positive change in the world

Forum Series

The Rockford University Forum Series presents speakers in a variety of disciplines who have achieved success both nationally and locally, and performers of stature in the arts. The Forum Series’ central programming focus is geared toward students, while also seeking to connect the campus to the local community. Lectures and performances are concerned with intellectual, social, and cultural matters of general interest to deepen and broaden students’ education at Rockford University and enhance the rich culture of Rockford.

Forum Series presenters and events cover a broad spectrum of scope and genre. Events have included the Tibetan lamas from Drepung Loseling Monastery and their creation of a mandala—a sacred sand painting; Holocaust survivor Zev Kedem, the compelling speaker who worked with Steven Spielberg on the movie Schindler’s List; Oscar Arias, former president of Costa Rica and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize for his work on a Central American Peace Plan; quadriplegic Olympic bronze medal rugby player Mark Zupan; film documentarian Barbara Martinez Jitner, who produced “La Frontera;” Davar Ardalan, author of “My Name is Iran;” and traditional University events like the President’s Opening Convocation, Charter Day Convocation, and theater productions.

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Local media is invited to the Rockford University campus to cover this event. We ask the media to please email Sara Myers-Hogshead at SHogshead@rockford.edu to let us know that you are coming.

Please email us by Oct. 10 at 5 p.m. to let us know you are attending.

Contact:

Sara Myers-Hogshead

RU Marketing & Communications

shogshead@rockford.edu

815.394.5052